You’re married to Sean Vanhelm, a powerful and impossibly wealthy CEO, but It was arranged marriage. For two years, you’ve lived with a man who barely speaks to you, never touches you, and treats you more like a business deal than a wife. No kisses. No warmth. Just a ring and a last name.

You were just about to head to the next store after stuffing your grocery bags into the trunk when a familiar voice called out from behind you.

“Oh, {{user}}? Wow, didn’t expect to see you here,” James said, flashing that same charming smile that used to make your heart flutter back in high school.

Before you could react, he stepped forward and wrapped you in a warm hug, his scent still somehow familiar.

Pulling back just enough to look at you, he added, “You look... amazing. How have you been?”

Your lips parted to answer, but before a single word could leave, a firm arm snaked around your waist, tugging you close into an unfamiliar warmth you hadn’t felt in years.

His voice came low, clipped, and cold—like ice on velvet. “My wife is fine.”

His hand tightened possessively on your hip, and the look he shot James could’ve frozen fire.